The playoff picture in the East is set. All the matchups you see here won't change no matter who wins or loses over the next two days. Expect a number of players to get some rest as a result: Derrick Rose probably won't play a lot on Tuesday, particularly since he has a head cold ... Amar'e Stoudemire (ankle) won't play Tuesday and is likely out Wednesday, as well. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups are both likely to sit Wednesday, and will certainly be limited if they are active ... Doc Rivers sat Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo on Monday and expects to do so on Wednesday, as well ... A Heat beat writer suggests that there is about zero chance that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh play against Toronto on Wednesday ... The Magic have little to gain from giving Dwight Howard or their other regulars significant minutes on Wednesday ... Andre Iguodala (knee) is unlikely to play on Wednesday.
As for the Western Conference updates: The Lakers have a lot to play for over their final two games, considering they could fall to the fourth seed if their current losing streak continues. The Mavericks and Thunder will also be playing their regulars in any non-blowout situations, given the implications ... Tim Duncan is listed as a starter for Tuesday's matchup with the Lakers, but Gregg Popovich will have the final call. If the Spurs win out, then they will own the best record in the league (currently 61-19, while CHI is 60-20), something that is not lost on a number of their players, including Duncan ... Expect the Nuggets to get rest for as many regulars as possible on Wednesday ... The Hornets, Grizzlies, and Trail Blazers all have playoff seeding to play for (6-8) as it currently stands.
? Status updates for others: Stephen Curry tweaked his right ankle on Monday and is questionable for Wednesday ... Tyreke Evans (ankle) is expected to play on Wednesday at this point ... Both Kyle Lowry (foot) and Luis Scola (knee) are expected to be out Wednesday ... Chris Kaman needs an MRI on his knee and is very likely out Wednesday ... The Raptors figure to be without a host of regulars yet again on Wednesday (Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Amir Johnson, Leandro Barbosa).
Check out my twitter feed on Wednesday for updates on the season's final day. Good luck to all and thanks for making this such a great season.
Follow Matt Buser on Twitter @busersports
Follow Justin Phan on Twitter @jphanned
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photo via Getty Images
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